"Sadly, her family and I have been provided with almost no additional
information from law enforcement regarding what happened after police
arrived," a tearful Damond said as he struggled for composure.

.

"We've lost the dearest of people and we are desperate for information.
Piecing together Justine's last moments before the homicide would be a
small comfort as we grieve this tragedy."

.

snip

.

Ruszczyk was originally from Australia, and her death has made headlines
in both her native country and her adopted home in Minneapolis.

.

Well-wishers contributed to a makeshift memorial in the alley near her
home. Among stuffed animals and messages drawn in chalk a handwritten sign
asked "Why did you shoot and kill our neighbor and friend?"

.

The two officers who responded to the scene are on administrative leave,
Minneapolis Police spokesman Scott Seroka said.

.

snip

.

The officers were wearing body cameras, but they were not turned on during
the incident, the mayor said. Per department policy, body cameras are
supposed to be turned on prior to use of force "as soon as it is safe to
do so" or during "any contact involving criminal activity."

.

"As mayor of our city, a wife, and a grandmother, I am heartsick and
deeply disturbed by what occurred last night," Hodges said Sunday. "There
are still many questions about what took place, and while the
investigation is still in its early stages, I am asking the BCA to release
as much information, as quickly as they are able to."

.

Minneapolis Police Chief JaneHarteau echoed the mayor's concerns. She said
the department has requested an expedited external, independent
investigation to ensure transparency.

.

In failing to turn on their body cameras, the American Civil Liberties
Union of Minnesota accused the officers of thwarting "the public's right
to know" what happened to Ruszczyk.

.

'Our hearts are broken'

.

Ruszczyk had resided in the United States since April 2014, a source who
knew her said. She was living with her fiance at the time of her death,
and they were planning to marry in August.

.

"It is difficult to fathom how to go forward without her in my life,"
Damond said Monday. "Our hearts are broken and we are utterly devastated
by the loss of Justine."

.

snip

.

"The death of Justine is a loss to everyone who knew her. She touched so
many people with her loving and generous heart," Damond said Monday. "Our
lives are forever changed as a result of knowing her. She was so kind, and
so darn funny. She made us all laugh with her great wit and her humor."

.

'She was a healer'

.

According to her website, Ruszczyk trained as a veterinarian and later
became a yoga instructor and life coach. She worked at the Lake Harriet
Spiritual Community in Minneapolis.

.

Nancy Coune, an administrator with the Lake Harriet Spiritual Community,
described Ruszczyk as a "gifted speaker" who imparted a message "of love
and peace and non-violence."

.

"Justine was dedicated to helping others make transformations in their
lives, through teaching and coaching.